McClaren upbeat on Gerrard and Owen

Updated 13.02 Fri Aug 31 2007

Keywords: Steve McClaren, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Euro 2008, sport, England

Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen will be able to play in both of England's back-to-back Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia, according to Steve McClaren.

Owen has suffered with a series of fitness problems since limping out of the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany but scored his first goal in 20 months for Newcastle United in their Carling Cup win over Barnsley.

"Over the last few weeks Michael has knuckled down in training and is looking sharp" - Steve McClaren

Gerrard has not figured for Liverpool since their 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea almost a fortnight ago due to a fractured toe.

Both players are in McClaren's 26-man squad and the England boss reflected: "Over the last few weeks Michael has knuckled down in training and is looking sharp.

"Strikers need to score and it was important to see him score. I said at the time (of the Germany match) he is always ready and speaking to him, he can't wait.

"I've spoken to (Gerrard) and liaised with Liverpool but I'm very confident Steven Gerrard will be available for the next two games."